Abnormal appearances of the pubic bones were observed without evidence of fracture, consistent with emphysematous osteomyelitis accompanied by inflammatory phlegmon and intraosseous as well as intramuscular air (Figure 1). As hip pain preceded the first fall, it suggested the infection was the primary cause, not the consequence, of the trauma. Initial blood tests showed raised C-reactive protein (CRP) of 295 mg/L, white blood cell (WBC) of 29.52 109/L and HbA1c of 73 mmol/mol. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is osteomyelitis.